English · Word Candidate

humane

/hjuːˈmeɪn/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: humaner · humanest

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Having or showing concern for the pain or suffering of another; compassionate.

Adjective

Examples

It is no longer considered humane to perform vivisection on research animals.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Pertaining to branches of learning concerned with human affairs or the humanities, especially classical literature or rhetoric.

Adjective

Examples

many divine precepts to counterpoise our hearts, special antidotes both in scriptures and humane authors, which who so will observe, shall purchase much ease and quietness unto himself.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “humane” mean?

Having or showing concern for the pain or suffering of another; compassionate.

Is “humane” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.